An Intro to the Jazz of Today

One of my favorite jazz blogs is National Public Radio's "Take Five," a weekly sampler of five tracks that follow a theme, like Latin jazz, Beatles' covers, jazz from Canada, and the like. This week they feature five albums specially chosen by a panel of young jazz critics designed to introduce the casual listener to the latest in modern jazz. The list is highlighted by pianist Brad Mehldau, trumpeter Christian Scott, and the acid jazz band Soulive. You can check it out here.

Here are a couple of albums I'd like to add to the list:

Prime Directive by Dave Holland. Not all that recent, but in many ways it changes the notion that jazz must swing and have a pianist comping away in the background.

Little Things Run The World - ...

Little Things Run the World by Ben Allison. Allison is a bassist and composer who shows how rock influences his mostly acoustic jazz. Deceptively simple, yet compelling tunes.

Red Earth - Dee Dee Bridgewate...

Red Earth by Dee Dee Bridgewater. During a trip to her ancestral and spiritual homeland of Mali in West Africa, jazz vocalist Bridgewater collaborated with Malienne musicians to create a wonderful disc that meshes the two cultures in a very engaging manner.

Listen and enjoy!